Duterte assessing AFP, PNP’s recommendation to extend martial law in Mindanao

Malacañang on Sunday said President Rodrigo Duterte is studying military and police recommendations to extend martial law in Mindanao.

"The President is studying the recommendations and he is assessing the need for further extending martial law in Mindanao. PRRD’s paramount concern is the security of our people especially the Mindanaoans in the face of threats and the use of available means under the law to fight them," Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

On Friday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) recommended the extension of military rule in the southern part of the Philippines.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Secretary Jonathan Malaya said the recommendation was based on two factors: the need to address continuing terrorists' threats in the region; and to facilitate the rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi City.

On May 23, ISIS-inspired Maute group attacked Marawi City while government troops were trying to arrest Isnilon Hapilon, the leader of Abu Sayyaf group. Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao on the same day.

The clashes between government forces and local terrorists went on for five months.

Duterte declared the liberation of Marawi last October 17, a day after the killing of Hapilon and Omar Maute.

Rehabilitation for the war-torn city is ongoing.

Meanwhile, several senators have said that they want the military to conduct another security briefing on Marawi City following the latter's recommendation. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BM, GMA News